Getting Your Curtains and Home Drapery Custom Made and/or Shortened

Curtains and drapes are a great way to complement your room, but some are too long and need to be altered. Shortening drapes may be something you can do yourself or find a professional curtain hemming services nearby – or you can send it to us through our online tailoring services.

Let’s first discuss the various types of styles and why using iron-on fusible tapes and fabric gules may not be the best options.

What is the difference between curtains and drapes:

Used interchangeably, these items have become synonymous in today’s culture. Especially when all you want is just some extra privacy. Curtains normally are produced with a lighter and more sheer material. Perfect for spaces such as your utility window where you may not open too often. But curtains do not normally block out light. Drapes on the other hand are normally lined with a heavy fabric material for not only more privacy, but has the ability to block out light and retain both cold and heat.

In regards to using iron-on fusible tapes and fabrics we do not normally recommend this as an approach for several reasons. Many fabric materials may not have the ability to sustain high heat, this will not only potentially burn a hole through thinner materials but also potential to melt lining materials if they are made with a polyurethane base.

Though shortening curtains are a very common service, there are other items a professional tailor is able to assist you with:

Custom curtain and drapes

Repairs – did you accidently snag your curtains, burnt a hole in the sides or looking to patch up a hole?

Shower curtains

Repairing holes and grommets are a service we may provide as well, pending if the drapes needs repair prior.

How to measure your curtains or drapes for hemming

So you’ve found the perfect drapes or curtains for your bedroom, living room or living space but unfortunately they are too long! This blog piece is to educate you on how to measure your curtain panels prior to bringing it into your local tailor or sending it to us through our online tailor mail in services.

Let us provide you some context into what you should think about first then provide some alteration pro tips.

First check to see how many layers your curtain/ drapes may have. Those with multiple pieces we would want to look at a way to attach them lightly this way you are able to accurately measure the panels.

Second physically hang the panel/s on the rod or where you anticipate to have them placed. Our pro alterations tip is to ensure that you do not measure just the window panel from top to bottom. Many times we’ve seen client measure the window top to bottom without accounting for the wood trims. If the product was to be hung inside the window pane area that would be different. There are two different main styles of hanging your curtains/ drapes. The first way to hang them are based on the window exterior the next is to measure them on the interior.

Have some painters tape ready to place and use an arrow pointing to the final length.

Curtains, drapes or anything manufactured overseas will always have some disparity so the simplest option is to lay this flat on the floor and fold it in half vertically to see if there is a difference in the length.

Other items to think about also is the design, the type of stitching and/or the bottom if there are weights hanging the curtain/ drapes. Who knew there was so much a tailor can educate you about regarding your curtain/ drapes! Contact us at [email protected] for any questions you may have. Located out of Blaine, Minnesota we have been in the same location and business for our 27th year, talk with us and you’ll be surprised what is possible.